FIRST REGULAR SESSION

HOUSE BILL NO. 238

93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY


 

 

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVES YATES (Sponsor), RICHARD, DUSENBERG, MOORE,

WILSON (119), COOPER (158), PAGE, SATER, MYERS AND CUNNINGHAM (Co-sponsors).

         Read 1st time January 18, 2005 and copies ordered printed.

STEPHEN S. DAVIS, Chief Clerk

0211L.01I


 

AN ACT

To repeal section 287.815, RSMo, and to enact in lieu thereof one new section relating to retirement benefits for commission appointees.





Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the state of Missouri, as follows:


            Section A. Section 287.815, RSMo, is repealed and one new section enacted in lieu thereof, to be known as section 287.815, to read as follows:

            287.815. 1. Effective August 28, 1999, any person, sixty-two years of age or older, who has served or who has creditable service in this state for an aggregate of at least twelve years, or any person, sixty years of age or older, who has served or who has creditable service in this state for an aggregate of at least fifteen years or any person, fifty-five years of age or older, who has served or who has creditable service in this state for an aggregate of twenty years, continuously or otherwise, as an administrative law judge or legal advisor, or both, of the division, and who, on or after August 13, 1984, ceases to hold office by reason of the expiration of his or her term, voluntary resignation, retirement pursuant to the provisions of sections 287.812 to 287.856, or removal by the governor for any nondisciplinary reason, shall receive benefits as provided in sections 287.812 to 287.856. The twelve years', fifteen years' or twenty years' requirement of this section may be fulfilled by service as an administrative law judge or legal advisor, or both, of the division at any time prior to or after August 13, 1984. If a person appointed pursuant to section 286.010, RSMo, or a chairman appointed pursuant to section 295.030, RSMo, does not have twelve years' or fifteen years' service, as required pursuant to this subsection, as an administrative law judge or legal advisor, or both, but the person has served in the general assembly, each biennial assembly or partial biennial assembly either served or purchased shall be deemed and credited as two full years of creditable service as an administrative law judge or legal advisor if the person waives in writing all right to any other retirement benefit provided by his or her service as a member of the general assembly.

            2. Any aggregate of twelve years or more of such service shall entitle the person to retirement benefits provided in sections 287.812 to 287.856 regardless of whether or not the person was so employed upon reaching the age of eligibility as described in subsection 1 of this section. However, the retirement benefits shall not be paid to the person until that person attains the age of eligibility as described in subsection 1 of this section.

            3. If a person appointed pursuant to section 286.010, RSMo, or pursuant to section 295.030, RSMo, or pursuant to section 621.015, RSMo, or an attorney or legal counsel appointed or employed pursuant to section 286.070, RSMo, does not have twelve years' service as an administrative law judge or legal advisor, or both, but the person has creditable service under the Missouri state employees' retirement system, such person may elect that such service be credited as service as an administrative law judge or legal advisor if the person waives in writing all right to any other retirement benefit provided for other service. Persons appointed pursuant to section 621.015, RSMo, shall be required to have served a majority of a term in order to qualify for benefits pursuant to sections 287.812 to 287.856. Persons appointed pursuant to sections 286.010 and 295.030, RSMo, shall be required to have served two years of a term in order to qualify for benefits pursuant to sections 287.812 to 287.856.

            4. Any person who has been appointed and has served pursuant to section 621.015, RSMo, prior to August 28, 1999, who is receiving or thereafter is qualified to receive retirement benefits pursuant to section 104.374, RSMo, shall upon application be made, constituted, appointed and employed by the board of trustees of the Missouri state employees' retirement system as a special consultant on the problems of retirement, aging and other state matters for the remainder of the person's life. Upon request of the board or the administrative hearing commission, the consultant shall give opinions or be available to give opinions in writing or orally in response to such requests. As compensation for such services and in lieu of receiving benefits pursuant to section 104.374, RSMo, each such special consultant shall be eligible for all benefits payable pursuant to sections 287.812 to 287.856, effective upon the later of August 28, 1999, or the date retirement benefits become payable. In no event shall retroactive benefits be paid.